The Clubhouse

Best parkland golf courses in England

Will it be Forest Pines, East Sussex National, west or east golf courses or the Brabazon? Can't decide which parkland course to play? We've narrowed it down to make it easier for you.

James Martin
James Martin
5 mins read
ParklandUK & IrelandEngland

With so many outstanding parkland golf courses around England, choosing which ones to play can often be difficult. Most parkland courses tend to be inland, in a natural setting with lush greens, elevation changes and many trees.

The picturesque park like settings are often what attract golfers to this style of golf, and hence why we are often asked, what are the best parkland golf courses in England? To help you on your way, take a look at this list of eleven of the best parkland golf courses in England.

Brabazon Course, The Belfry

Some of golf’s most exhilarating Ryder Cup dramas have played out on The Brabazon Course at The Belfry. Based in the outskirts of Birmingham, its meticulous design, tight fairways, perilous bunkers, lakes and undulating greens are recognised around the world. The stand-out hole is without a doubt the 10th, a drivable risk-reward par-4, which was first hit by Seve Ballesteros in 1978. For Ryder Cup history, they don’t come much better than The Brabazon.

The Brabazon course, The Belfry

Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Thanks to its glorious setting amid a mature Lincolnshire woodland, you’d never realise that Forest Pines is only 20 years old. There are three brilliant loops of nine here, allowing golfers to mix and match their favourite nine holes, with each loop of an extremely high standard. It is no wonder Forest Pines is often compared to the likes of Woburn and Wentworth.

Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

East Course, East Sussex National

Designed with championship golf in mind, the East Course at East Sussex National will challenge even the best of golfers. From the tips, the course measures a staggering 7,138-yards, with the added challenge of a plentiful supply of bunkers that line the fairways and greens. In 1993 and 1994, this course hosted the European Open, with many professionals considering the 18th to be one of the most demanding finishing holes in golf. The sister West Course also provides an enjoyable round and is the perfect complement to the East.

East course, East Sussex National

The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall

There are two fine parkland golf courses to choose from at Brocket Hall in the Melbourne Course and the Palmerston Course. The former was designed by Ryder Cup players Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, and provides stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as crossing the River Lea on several occasions. The Palmerston Course is regarded as Donald Steel’s finest creation, and winds its way through ancient woodland of rare Hornbeam, Scots, Corsican Pine and 300-year old Oak trees, to create unique but spectacular hazards.

The Melbourne course, The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort

Old Thorns Golf Club, a championship course which opened in 1976 and has become of the best parkland courses in the South of England. The mature nature around the golf course provides stunning views and the undulating landscape creates the perfect environment for a golf course.

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort

Forest of Arden

Warwickshire's Forest of Arden is home to two excellent 18-hole golf courses in the Arden Course and the newer Aylesford Course. The latter opened for play more recently and is considerably shorter, making for an enjoyable round, whereas the Arden Course is definitely the standout course here. In the past, the Arden Course has hosted the English Open and the British Masters, with the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke all leaving here victorious.

Arden course, Forest of Arden

The Grove, London's Country Estate

Kyle Phillips’ design at The Grove combines modern game strategies with the great traditions of British golf course architecture, which in return saw it host the British Masters in 2016. Measuring at a lengthy 7,152-yards, the 18 immaculately conditioned holes follow the natural slopes and mounds of the land the course is set in. It is no wonder this course is regarded as one of the best new golf courses in Europe.

Grove course, The Grove, London's Country Estate

Hunting Course, Slaley Hall

Known as the “Augusta of the North” by those who have played it, the Hunting Course at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is a course that every golfer should play at least once. Demanding long and straight tee shots, along with accurate approaches to greens with monumental slopes, the challenge here is stern but one that can be enjoyed by everyone. David Thomas has designed a true gem in the North East of England.

Hunting course, Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

Cheshire Course, Carden Park Hotel

Located on the grounds of the beautiful Carden Park Hotel with a glorious countryside backdrop, this Championship Cheshire Course is one to watch out for. While it suits golfers of all levels, the course is highly technical and there are several natural hazards throughout to really test your skills. The signature 18th hole offers amazing views over the resort and distant Welsh hills. To put it simply, you’ll have a great memorable round of golf here.

Cheshire Course, Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Feeling inspired?
England boasts some of the best natural settings for a parkland golf course, perfect for any golf break.

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James Martin avatar
James Martin

Senior Business Development Manager, South UK & Europe

Senior Business Development Manager, South UK & Europe

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